Minister celebrates 'vibrant' year for British food and drink exports

UK businesses have exported peanut butter to the Netherlands, tea to China and sausages to the Caribbean in a "vibrant" year for the sector.

Other UK products making their way abroad include vegan chocolate bars to Germany, seafood to Thailand and tea from Tregothnan in Cornwall selling in China, Austria and Brazil.

Food and drink accounts for 17% of UK manufacturing output to a value of £18.9 billion, according to latest Defra figures.

Food Secretary Elizabeth Truss said British food and drink had an "excellent reputation for quality, safety and high standards"

Devon-based Westaways Sausages is exporting to Asia, the Mediterranean, Falkland Islands and the Caribbean.

The alcoholic Ice Tea brand Harry Brompton's, which is made in limited batches by father and son team Martin and Ian O'Donohue, is now sold in 10 countries including Canada and Singapore.

Food Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: "British food and drink has an excellent reputation for quality, safety and high standards, and there is a great opportunity for businesses to take advantage of the growing popularity of our top-class produce the world over.

"The demand is out there and in recent years sales of all kinds of British products have soared - America wants our London dry gin, China is choosing British cheese and Spain is buying seafood from our coasts.

"Exports are a key part of our long-term plan to grow our food and farming industry, which is why the government is working hard to open new markets, provide practical help to first-time exporters and promote British food and drink around the world."